If the house I’m renting had a subterranean water main break, who is liable for the 1k water bill?
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If the house I’m renting had a subterranean water main break, who is liable for the 1k water bill?
This leak was about a year ago. It occurred during a soggy patch of weather, water pressure was not affected so we weren’t aware of a problem until the ground had water standing after the rain let up. We notified the landlord immediately. Repair was made but we are stuck with a huge bill due to their plumbing failure. Do we have any recourse?
Asked on July 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Indiana
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In order to ascertain who is responsible for the large water bill resulting from the break in the pipe at the rental you occupy, you need to carefully read the lease to see who is responsible for repairs to the unit in that the presumed written lease controls the obligations owed to you by the landlord and vice versa.
If the landlord is obligated for the repairs to the rental and since the rental is owned by the landlord, then the landlord should be responsible for the water bill that is on the large side resulting from the leak in an amount in excess of your monthly average to date.
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